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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of those suffering from the condition. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with family, work and in relationships. It is often difficult to determine the cause because symptoms can overlap. A health care provider or mental health professional will assess the person and perform tests. Signs and symptoms A person may not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms earlier or because the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults with untreated ADHD are being disadvantaged in their academic, professional and social lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD experience a variety of issues, including problems with relationships and financial problems. A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily life and relationships. It is crucial that the patient be honest about these symptoms, and do not shy away due to feelings of embarrassment or shame. The mental health professional should also determine if these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can hinder the effective treatment of the disorder. If a psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by other conditions, additional psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of impairment in function that these conditions cause. In addition the mental health professional could ask to interview one or more significant people such as spouses, siblings and coworkers to get an entire picture of the person's functioning and issues. Diagnosis Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare doctor or a medical professional following an exhaustive examination. This includes a detailed interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning and the presence of any other mental health issues that may be co-occurring with ADHD, such as mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the physician might ask for the assistance of significant others, usually a spouse or close friend—to assist in gaining more information about the person's behavior. Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they thought were “normal”. Often, it provides relief to know that they're not just lazy or forgetful and their issues are more complex. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth edition (DSM-5) requires that adults meet specific criteria for symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. This standard is created to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must cause significant impairment in multiple environments, such as school, at home, or at work with family or friends or in other settings. For iampsychiatry aged 17 and older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are required for children younger than 12 years old. A good relationship with your primary care provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many physicians routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and may refer you to a mental health professional who is qualified to perform an assessment of adults. Treatment When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can transform dramatically. They can finally find some solutions to their problems at school, with starting a new career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has accumulated for certain people over time. Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step towards getting an assessment. They can ask questions about family history and do physical examinations to rule out conditions which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They may also ask the patient to complete a checklist of symptoms. In many instances the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is crucial to strengthen relationships following diagnosis. If this isn't an option the therapist may ask acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the person. Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily with medications. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, like atomoxetine (Strattera®) and Guanfacine (Intuniv®, Tenex®) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and can help improve symptoms of ADHD. Psychotherapy is another alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing self-criticism and negative feelings. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults recognize automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that can lead to negative behavior and develop positive self-talk. Medication Many people find that ADHD medication can help alleviate their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant and is effective by boosting the activity of brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate, the most common medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in various forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another kind of medicine is a drug that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in pill form or liquid. The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is important, as certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid problems can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. In addition, some medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar symptoms. During the test, the person will likely to discuss their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide standard ADHD ratings and check lists, as and psychological tests to assess executive function, working memory (abilities such as making decisions and planning) spatial and visual ability, as well as reasoning skills. If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to a person's life, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some cases the therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them regarding the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between individuals and promote healthy, productive relationships. Counseling Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults suffering from ADHD. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their difficulties at work or school and to discover ways to overcome these problems. It's also an opportunity to overcome negative habits and build self-confidence. A solid support system is essential for success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavioral treatments. For instance the therapist could create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist can also teach the patient how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga. Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit you have difficulties paying attention and planning. It can be embarrassing to confess that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. Most teachers and bosses offer accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they could allow you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper and give more in-depth explanations of classroom material. The therapist will also show you how to manage ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a structured form of therapy that assists you in changing negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy which teaches loved ones how to better interact with a person with ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People who suffer from ADHD often have other mental health disorders like anxiety or depression and may also suffer from substance abuse and addiction, which can cause more symptoms.